With the release of the Kenya National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2025–2030, the government has laid out an ambitious roadmap to position the country as a leader in AI innovation, education, governance, and infrastructure across the continent. But what does this shift mean for the devices Kenyans use every day – phones, wearables, and other personal tech?
Samsung’s Head of Mobile Experience for East Africa, Anthony Hutia, shared insights into the mobile industry’s role in Kenya’s AI future, reflecting on infrastructure, talent, privacy, and practical use cases.
Smartphones as the Entry Point to AI in Kenya
Kenya’s strategy acknowledges that for most citizens, the first direct encounter with AI won’t be through labs or massive servers – it will be through the palm of their hand.
“This strategy brings AI into focus as a national priority,” says Hutia. “For the mobile industry, that’s deeply relevant. Smartphones and wearables are where most people will first experience AI.”
Samsung has already embraced this shift. The Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S25 series were built with AI capabilities as a key differentiator. Features like on-device translation, generative photo editing, and AI-based health tracking turn mobile devices into powerful, context-aware tools.
Expanding Infrastructure Beyond the Cloud
One of the key pillars of Kenya’s AI strategy is building infrastructure. But Hutia argues that this shouldn’t just be about cloud platforms and data centers.
“We need to include devices that process AI at the edge,” he says.
This means bringing AI-capable devices – phones and wearables with powerful chips and localized AI processing – to as many people as possible. Affordability, accessibility, and reliable connectivity will be central. It’s also about building digital ecosystems that support local AI development and usage, including apps and services designed for African contexts.
Samsung says it’s aiming to expand the reach of its Galaxy AI offerings to more devices and more languages. Over the past year, the company says it has added seven new languages to its AI tools, now supporting a total of 20.
Ethics and Privacy in the AI Era
Kenya’s AI Strategy dedicates significant focus to ethical development, inclusion, and safeguarding user data. These principles echo global AI concerns, especially as more data is processed on personal devices.
“We prioritized user privacy and personal data protection when developing the Galaxy S25 series,” Hutia says.
Samsung argues it’s actively participating in global discussions on AI regulation and believes any advancement in mobile AI must not compromise user trust. As Kenya ramps up local data policies and begins implementing frameworks around responsible AI, such partnerships and industry alignment will become more crucial.
Building with, Not Just for, Kenya
Local talent development is another foundational aspect of Kenya’s AI vision. Samsung acknowledges that simply hiring Kenyan professionals isn’t enough.
“We’re not just building tools for Kenya; we should be building them with Kenyans,” says Hutia.
He highlights the importance of upskilling, mentorship programs, support for grassroots innovation, and offering visibility for developers creating mobile-first AI solutions. With the right public-private partnerships, Kenya could not only consume but also export mobile AI solutions made for local contexts.
AI’s First Big Impact Areas: Health and Education
From wearable devices that track sleep and stress to AI-driven educational apps with real-time translation and personalized feedback, the most immediate AI benefits in Kenya will likely come in the health and education sectors.
“In a market like Kenya, where smartphones are primary internet devices, the opportunity is immense,” Hutia notes.
While the reach exists – smartphones are everywhere – the next step is building relevance. That means designing and deploying tools that respond to local needs, languages, and behaviors.
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